Real reason Gareth Bale is set to stay at Real Madrid

Posted Sunday, June 17, 2018 by Express.co.uk

Real reason Gareth Bale is set to stay at Real Madrid
Man Utd transfer news: Gareth Bale has been a long-term target

GARETH BALE's Real Madrid career has been given a life line because of one thing Julen Lopetegui can do that Zinedine Zidane couldn't.

Bale hinted at a departure following the Champions League final after a frustrating season in Spain.

He struggled with injury at the start of the season but was then left on the bench when fit and was a sub for the final against Liverpool.

He came on to score two goals - one the incredible overhead kick - and then sent a warning to the club about his playing time.

And changes have already been made at the club with Zidane resigning and being replaced by Lopetegui.

It has already emerged that Bale is now happy to stay and expects to be given a life line but Express Sport can reveal the reason why.

Bale feels more comfortable in his position because Lopetegui can speak English, whereas Zidane couldn't.

Bale tried to learn Spanish when he first moved to the Bernabeu but has made little progress despite being there since 2013 and winning four European Cups.

But Lopetegui will be able to converse with him in English after taking over this week following his dismissal as Spain manager.

Lopetegui, 51, nearly took the Wolves job in 2016 before getting the Spain gig and starts his role as Madrid boss now.

He has big decisions to make over Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have both flirted with a change of scenery, and with Neymar on president Florentino Perez's radar.

Mohamed Salah has also been linked with Madrid, but is likely to stay at Liverpool for at least another season.

Bale's future will be quicker to sort due to him not being at the World Cup and Jose Mourinho is still watching the situation closely.

Manchester United are ready to make their move if it is indicated Bale is available, but they are also tracking Willian and would be keen on Neymar if a deal was possible.

Manchester United have already signed Fred and Diogo Dalot and are working on deals for defenders, but would be willing to buy a game-changer in attack if one of the elite options were available.

Anthony Martial's future remains in doubt following his agent's claims last week and he would likely to be sold if either Bale, Ronaldo, Neymar or Willian came in.

Martial is keen to leave already but United want him to stay until they have another option in the door and have been in talks over a new deal.

Martial though is keen to quit for a new challenge and more first team chances.

Last week his agent Philippe Lamboley told RMC Sport: "After thinking about all the possibilities and scenarios, Anthony wants to leave Manchester United.

"There are many scenarios. For now, it's premature to talk about it. Anthony will speak later to explain all of this.

"Manchester United want to extend Anthony's contract and do not want him to leave, but we have not been able to find an agreement for several months.

"I think that when Manchester United, which is the most powerful club in the world it must be remembered, do not find an agreement in eight months of negotiations, it is because they do not really want to make him an important member of the team. That's the root of this decision. It is a well-considered decision.

"However, it is quite obvious and it is very important to remember that he is under contract, that Manchester United will have the last word and that we will respect the decision of the club, and he will fulfil his commitment to them.

"However, we do not share the same vision for Anthony's future. Today, Anthony is disappointed because he has shown for three seasons the love he has for the club and its supporters."